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Christopher Jenkins | United Kingdom | Canada | 2024
Storytellers become filmmakers using their talents in a variety of ways. The independent film market leaves the door open for the multi-talented. Many of these artists have worked tirelessly over years, continue to have courage to never give up, and know that they have something to offer the industry.
Filmmaker Christopher Jenkins grew up in Wales with a knack for drawing after being exposed to the technicolor world of movies. While studying illustration in London, Walt Disney Feature Animation was hiring illustrators for WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. Jenkins recalls, “I became an effects animator, i.e. making bubbles, crashing waves and heavenly rainbows on THE LITTLE MERMAID, and on ALADDIN animating magic, fire, and lava, and other such Disney films. I’d give life to the world of animation.” Continuing, “The fantastic Disney training ground remains in all of my work. This form of storytelling is important to me but I then had to learn the art of writing.”
Filmmaker Christopher Jenkins says, “Every good animated movie transports you to another world.” Jenkins does just that in his newly directed animated feature 10 LIVES. Jenkins’ narrative takes his film’s audience to the English Riviera where we meet Beckett (Mo Gilligan), the cat, and an amusing cast of characters his life will encounter.
Beckett, a spoiled, self-consumed cat, under the ownership of Rose (Simone Ashley), lost his ninth life from an unforeseen accident. At Heaven’s gate, Beckett pleads to the Gatekeeper to send him back to Rose because she needs him to protect her from a sinister plot underway to steal the findings in her research project. With empathy and understanding, an allowance is granted Beckett. But, not without lessons to be learned.
Beckett is given a new set of lives. Assuming that he is going back to his previous life as a pompous cat, Beckett is rudely awakened. Beckett turns into something different with each new life. Each form is connected to a task of righteousness Beckett is worthy to redeem at Heaven’s gate. The back-and-forth from Earth to Heaven tires Beckett, but the Gatekeeper’s plan for his reality comes into clear view. A sincere transformation occurs, and a new Beckett emerges from a self-loathing coddled cat to a self-sacrificial hero. Beckett takes the audience on a thrilling journey that is truly a lesson for all.